The instructions are below and couldn't be easier, and well up to the skills of even a beginner crocheter. The talent part comes in with the color blending, which you can follow from the photos although she does describe her technique for picking and blending the colors.
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| The first version |
Michele's Stripey Crochet Blanket Pattern:
Except for the beginning chain row, the whole thing is worked in double crochet (dc). In terms of yarn weight, I mostly crocheted the blanket with 2 strands of a variety of fingering weight yarns because that's what I had in my stash. I mixed the yarns in order to achieve an overall neutral tone. By and large, neutral stripes contain some odd number of rows (either 3 rows or 5 rows or 7 rows etc...). The arrangement of the neutral stripes in terms of width and colour came about organically as the blanket grew. I suggest you go with your gut on that front and let your sensibilities lead you. Between each neutral stripe, I crocheted one burgundy or red row. For the burgundy or red rows, I used 2 strands again: one strand of burgundy or red yarn combined with a second strand of some other neutrally-coloured yarn.
For The Newbie:
Start with a chain. My chain contained 203 chain stitches. The last 3 chain stitches are my "turning" chain stitches.
First row: Skip the first 3 chain stitches and then double-crochet (dc) to the end of the chain. Turn.
Second row: Chain 3, skip the first dc * do 1 dc in next dc, and repeat from * to the end of the row, working the last dc into the third chain of the turning chain. Turn.
Repeat the second row until your blanket is the length you'd like.
Note: The pattern gives sort of a lacy edge by virtue of the extra turning chain stitch. Consequently you will see little "holes" in your edge. I meant to do that! It is NOT a mistake but part of the master plan.
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Now, just when you thought it couldn't get any better have a gander at this!
(all photos and directions come directly from Garden Therapy)
I believe I mentioned recently, what with my new garden work that I needed stepping stones but they can be quite pricey. Linda, one of my wonderful blogging friends over at Lavender Cottage had mentioned that she made some stepping stones using large rhubarb leaves... well, no more need be said! I was off like a bunny on a quest to find some instructions - this is what I came across over at Garden Therapy: (by the way, this is another blog you just have to see for yourself)!
Using large leaves from your garden to cast concrete to
inexpensively create lots of stepping stones.
OK, you do have to overcome your fear of working with concrete... Oh, you don't have a fear of working with concrete?! Lucky you! :D I unfortunately do but to get his result I will most certainly overcome that little fear quick as a bunny... lol!
Materials:
- dry concrete
- wheelbarrow or large bucket
- water source (hose, watering can)
- tarp
- vegetable oil or cooking spray
- large leaves (hosta, rhubarb, gunnera, etc)
- rubber gloves
1. Begin by gathering large leaves from around the garden. Choose firm leaves without tears or holes.
2. Protect hands with rubber gloves and mix concrete according to instructions. Choose a lightweight concrete mix (less gravel) for a smoother finished product; choose a heavier-weight concrete mix (more gravel) if the stones will be in high traffic areas. Consistency should be on the drier, firmer side. Add more dry mix if it is too runny.
3. Working on the tarp or some plastic bags, spray the front of the leaf thoroughly with cooking spray or brush with oil.
5. Allow to dry/cure according to concrete instructions.
6. When completely hardened, peel off the leaf and use a chisel / hammer to remove any wonky bits from the edges.
Well, that's about it for today... but now you do have two new blogs that you must go visit... I promise you won't regret it!
As always, Hugs and thanks for popping by for a visit...
Beth
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